Trump Nominates Robert Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary

CNN's Jake Tapper sharply criticized President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, humorously remarking, "Well, America, I hope you like measles," in response to Kennedy's long-standing opposition to vaccines. Kennedy, who suspended his presidential campaign to endorse Trump, has been vocal about his skepticism toward the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly in relation to COVID-19, and has made controversial claims about race and immunities that he has since attempted to clarify. Tapper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta expressed significant concerns regarding Kennedy's potential impact on public health, with Gupta stating that the medical community is largely in agreement about the risks posed by Kennedy's views. While some, like Colorado Governor Jared Polis, have praised Kennedy for opposing vaccine mandates, others remain doubtful about Republican support for his nomination, especially given the scientific consensus on vaccine safety. The discussion also touched on Trump's other controversial cabinet picks, including Matt Gaetz for attorney general, raising questions about their confirmation prospects amidst ongoing ethical concerns. Overall, the nomination is seen as one of Trump's more contentious selections, provoking a mix of skepticism and concern from various political commentators.